Updated Jan. 26, 2026, 3:42 p.m. ET
Naomi Watts often reflects on how menopause was depicted in films during her younger years. It seemed like all there were were jokes about hot flashes and overly emotional women. Back then, there wasn’t much discussion about it, so she mostly absorbed this information from the movies. This shaped her perspective to the extent that she didn’t even recognize many of her own symptoms—like dry eyes and a frozen shoulder—as indicators of approaching menopause.
Now, at 57, Watts is eager to shift that narrative. Podcasters, comedians, writers, and various creators are working to bring menopause from a taboo subject into mainstream conversation. Watts believes that Hollywood needs to catch up, advocating for narratives that transform midlife into a time of empowerment rather than one of decline.
“We need to see ourselves represented,” she expresses. “Discussing menopause and showcasing those stories on screen can help women feel more connected. It’s essential to remove the shame and stigma surrounding it through storytelling.”
Fearing menopause would end her career
After filming “King Kong” in 2005, Watts faced a shocking revelation when she consulted her doctor about starting a family in her late 30s: she was nearing perimenopause. Following difficulties with pregnancy and a miscarriage, she eventually welcomed two children within a year, only to start experiencing menopause symptoms afterward.
“It was a lonely, scary time,” she recalls. Given the limited roles for women—typically romantic leads or grandmothers during her upbringing—Watts chose to keep her menopause struggles private. She feared that discussing it could jeopardize her career.
It wasn’t until more than a decade later that she felt ready to share her experiences. She became one of the first well-known figures to openly talk about menopause, paving the way for others like Drew Barrymore and Halle Berry to join the conversation.
In 2022, Watts co-founded Stripes, a brand focused on menopause wellness and beauty products, which ranges from vitamins to vaginal creams. She also released her book, “Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I Knew About Menopause,” which mixes humor and relatable accounts with expert insights. “I have so much more to contribute,” she insists. “I don’t want to be told it’s time to stop.”
Will menopause have its movie moment?
Watts struggles to recall any recent films that have tackled menopause as a theme. Even TV show representations seem sparse. While some sitcoms, like Leeanne Morgan’s “Leeanne,” touch on it, most programs seem to offer only fleeting mentions or comedic takes on the subject. For instance, “Sex and the City 2” featured a character navigating menopause, but the broader film landscape appears largely silent on this topic.
A recent study indicated that among 225 films spotlighting female characters over 40 from 2009 to 2024, only a mere 6% addressed menopause. Most of the time, it has been used as a setup for comic relief.
Watts chuckles about this: “It’s fine to include humor, but our experiences are deeper and more intricate than that. Education can shift the narrative away from doom and gloom.”
Menopause as more than just hot flashes
According to the Geena Davis Institute, two-thirds of people believe it’s vital to portray menopause on screen authentically. “We are more than just hot flashes,” remarks Madeline Di Nonno, president of the Institute. “Media have a direct impact on how women perceive themselves, and we can do better.”
A significant number of adults agree that movies and TV influence public views on aging. Newly commissioned studies showcased that many younger audiences seek more relatable characters, while older adults often yearn for representation that parallels their own experiences.
Watts sees a shift happening, especially among millennial women starting to experience perimenopause. Currently, she’s celebrating the success of older women in the industry, citing the upcoming season of a new drama featuring characters dealing with perimenopause as a step in the right direction.
She also commended the popularity of shows like “Riot Women,” which humorously depicts menopausal women starting a punk band. With additional recognition for older actresses in leading roles, Watts believes these stories are not just valuable; they are essential.
“When I see women across various professions thriving in midlife, I’m truly inspired,” she concludes. “Their stories deserve to be seen and heard.”
Watts emphasizes that with age comes a chance to be more selective in her projects, having recently taken a prominent role in “The Friend,” a film that has resonated well with audiences. She’s looking forward to returning for the second season of “All’s Fair.” Her impact goes beyond the screen; she’s grateful when fans express how her work has prompted them to discuss menopause openly. It feels meaningful and, in her eyes, worth every risk she took.
